Israel must end 'aggression' as Trump board plans Gaza future: Hamas

GAZA CITY, Feb 20: Hamas said any discussions on Gaza must begin with a total halt to Israeli "aggression" as Donald Trump's "Board of Peace" maps out the territory's future, with Israel insisting on the militants' disarmament before reconstruction starts.

Trump's board met for its inaugural session in Washington on Thursday, with a number of countries pledging money and personnel for rebuilding, more than four months into a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

But the board meeting offered no timeline for Hamas to lay down its weapons or for Israel's army to withdraw from the shattered enclave.

"Any political process or any arrangement under discussion concerning the Gaza Strip and the future of our Palestinian people must start with the total halt of aggression," Hamas said in a statement late Thursday.    �"AFP